Helen M. Woods (nee Bartels) of Shorewood, passed away peacefully with family by her side,

Wednesday April 1, 2026 at the age of 91.

Survived by her daughters Diane (Roger) Engstrom and Deby (Dennis) Bushby, and daughter-in-law

Nancy Woods Kelly. Seven grandchildren Eric (Jenna) Engstrom, Elizabeth (Gary) Maynard, Tye (Karina)

Zola, Tamra (Nick) Smelser, Stephanie Bushby, Grant (Brittany) Bushby, and Kelci Bushby. Ten great

grandchildren Lucas, Emma and Michael Engstrom, Kristopher Peet, Evelyn and Caiden Zola, Kailee

Smelser, Emerson Raino, Grayson and Brooklyn Bushby, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

She was so loved by her care giver Jennifer Craig and Jennifers 5 children who considered her their

adopted "Grammy," which Helen loved dearly.

Preceded in death by her husband Edward H. Woods, son Edward H. Woods Jr., brothers Glen and

Fredrick Bartels, and sister Jean Murphy.

Helen worked as a waitress at the White Fence Farm in her early years of marriage. After her children

were grown, she returned to work and enjoyed working for Marshall Fields until she found a job with

Family Practice Consultants as a receptionist. Upon retiring, Helen and Ed enjoyed traveling spending

many winters in Arizona where they found a community of friends, they shared many interests with and

participated in many events and crafts. Helen was always making something. She enjoyed ceramics,

painting, making jewelry, and many other things that she loved sharing with her family and friends.

When the time came that she and Ed were unable to travel, then settled in at the Shorewood Glenn

community. She enjoyed living here with her amazing neighbors and friends. She participated in

numerous activities including the Girls of the Glenn, WI-bowling, bocce ball, bingo, bunko, crazy canasta,

and going on casino trips.

Helen was seen by Lightways Hospice Care of Joliet the past few years who also provided loving care.

She enjoyed her visits with Lightways minister Matt, nurse Jen, social worker Veveca and Likishia who

provided wonderful care. Helens family saw the loving care provided by hospice and request that In

lieu of flowers please consider donating to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone

Circle, Joliet IL 60431, in Helens name. Visitation will be Friday April 10th from 10:00 A.M until time of

services at 12 Noon, at Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home and Crematory 2320 Black Rd. Joliet.

Interment Resurrection Cemetery.